Misplaced Pages

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Elonka (talk | contribs) at 04:54, 18 September 2006 (tagging as uncategorized using AWB). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

This article has not been added to any content categories. Please help out by adding categories to it so that it can be listed with similar articles.

The Combat Medical Technician (CMT) is a soldier with a specialist military trade within the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) of the British Army.

Role

The fully trained CMT is capable of:

• assisting with the management of surgical, medical and psychiatric casualties from the onset of the condition until the casualty is admitted to a hospital offering specialist care. This capacity is to include the immediate necessary first aid and other sustaining procedures required to hold a casualty for a limited period in a non-hospital situation
• undertaking the administrative procedures and documentation for casualties in field units, medical reception stations and unit medical centres, including those required for and during casualty evacuation, and the initial documentation of patients attending hospitals as outpatients or for admission
• carrying out these field and military skills required of an RAMC soldier employed in any active field medical unit (for example sanitation, erection of tentage, security)

The CMT has three career stages, beginning at class 3 and progressing to Class 1.

Class 3 and 2 Standards

• Trained in anatomy, physiology and first aid.
• Has a general understanding of medical terminology and is capable of carrying out first aid in an emergency situation until expert medical assistance is available.
• Works under supervision to provide assistance to Medical Officers in field units and medical reception stations.
• Assists in setting up field medical units and is trained in medical fieldcraft including the use of radio equipment, navigation by foot or vehicle across country and field medical equipment.
• Capable of carrying out basic nursing procedures.
• Initiates and maintains casualty ddocumentation and supply/equipment documentation.
• Recognises abnormalities in casualty observations, body appearances and consciousness levels.
• Trained in Army environmental health issues at unit level.

Class 1 Standard

• As for Class 2 and 3, but with additional training and experience.
• Provides health advice to non medical junior commanders.
• Has a good understanding of anatomy and physiology.
• Is able to take control of an emergency situatiion.
• Is trained in basic diagnostic techniques and able to report findings to medical services.
• Advises on basic field hygiene.
• Capable of advanced first aid and using advanced resuscitation techniques.
• Administers non-controlled drugs ordered by a Medical Officer.
• Administers drugs by oral route, inhalations, plus intradermal-, intramuscular- and subcutaneous injection
• Sutures simple wounds
• Maintains, or supervises the maintenance of, and indents for medical equipment
• Trains junior medical assistants

Additionally, at Class 1 the CMT is trained in the procedures and principles of Battlefield Advanced Trauma Life Support (BATLS).

Further Progression by Rank

• At the rank of Corporal, the CMT also supervises and controls medical assistants working in medical unit departments
• At the rank of Sergeant or Staff Sergeant, the CMT takes charge of a department, accounting for equipment and carrying out the administrative duties for soldiers within the department.
• At the rank of Warrant Officer, the CMT supervises a number of departments, and maintains discipline and morale within those departments, providing for the efficiency and effectiveness of the unit.

See also

Royal Army Medical Corps

Battlefield medicine

Combat Medic

References

• Army Form B6360 Rev 10/99
• British Army Site

External links

• Army Medic Home Page